Bread is a staple in many households, but the proving process can be time-consuming. However, celebrity chef Paul Hollywood has a solution for those who crave fresh bread without the wait. He shares his recipe for Irish soda bread, claiming it’s the ‘quickest ever,’ taking just 20 minutes to bake. Despite its speedy preparation, fans have hailed this simple recipe as ‘divine,’ making it a regular favorite.
Originally posted on YouTube two years ago, Hollywood recently reminded viewers on TikTok just how easy this bread is to make. The key to its quick preparation lies in the absence of yeast. Instead of relying on yeast for rising, bicarbonate of soda and buttermilk are used to create a similar effect much faster.
Paul adds a delicious twist to the classic recipe by incorporating cheese and onion into his soda bread. YouTube fans claim this makes it the ‘best’ recipe ever.
Here’s everything you need to whip up this tasty bread in just 20 minutes, as reported by the Daily Record:
Cheese and Onion Soda Bread
Ingredients:
* 100g wholemeal flour
* 400g plain white flour
* 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda
* 1 tsp salt
* 100g parmesan
* Half an onion, sauteed
* 150g grated cheddar
* 400ml buttermilk
Method:
1. Preheat the oven to 220C or 200C fan.
2. Combine both flours in a large bowl, then add the bicarbonate of soda, salt, and half the parmesan cheese.
3. Stir in the sauteed onion and grated cheddar.
4. Pour in the buttermilk and mix well. Use your hands to blend the ingredients together, adding a splash of water if the mixture is too dry.
5. Once the mixture resembles a rough dough, transfer it to a floured surface.
6. Divide the dough in half, rolling and flattening each portion with your hand a couple of times before shaping it into a ball. Tuck the edges underneath.
7. Lightly wet your hands and pat each piece of dough before placing it face-down in the remaining parmesan cheese.
8. Cut a cross shape down the middle of each loaf.
9. Place the loaves on a baking tray and bake for 20 minutes.
10. Once the loaves are nicely baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool completely before slicing and enjoying. Paul suggests serving with more cheese and butter.
